Wk 1 // January 11 & 12
Wk 1 // HOW TO BUILD A BETTER LIFE
January 11 & 12, 2024
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
Resolving conflict can be one of the most difficult things we navigate in our daily lives. We deploy numerous tactics to make ourselves feel as if our problems have been satisfactorily dispatched so that we can move forward. Taking a look at God’s better way of handling conflicts is not only wise but absolutely necessary if we are to grasp his will for our lives.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Matthew 7:1-5
“Don’t judge me!” Few commands are more consistently uttered when one of us has a spotlight shined on one of our failures in life. What if we, in the pursuit of determining correct and incorrect actions in what we observe around us, overstep by mistaking the value of an individual with their moral success or failure? Such a misstep is tragic for those of us desiring to represent Jesus to our world. However, stating truth in love is the epitome of serving as Christ’s ambassador to those he loves. Truth - sin is real and we’ve all misstepped. Equally true - Christ died for all and God doesn’t hate those who fail.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ James 1:19
The old humorous cliche; “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason”, provides ample ammunition for a discussion on these three items listed. Add to this cliche the power of anger to lead us into so many situations which are so far outside of God’s best for our lives. Not a single one of these three things can be lacking if we plan to pursue God’s best for our relationships and our lives. May we all venture to practice these with intentionality.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God would show you where you need to grow in your relationships and communication this week.
January 11 & 12, 2024
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- Which is harder for you - apologizing first or listening without interrupting?
- What is the dumbest thing you’ve ever fought about with someone you care about?
Resolving conflict can be one of the most difficult things we navigate in our daily lives. We deploy numerous tactics to make ourselves feel as if our problems have been satisfactorily dispatched so that we can move forward. Taking a look at God’s better way of handling conflicts is not only wise but absolutely necessary if we are to grasp his will for our lives.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Matthew 7:1-5
- Which statement in this passage do you find most challenging and why?
- How do you “measure” others on their worst day and how do you hope others “measure” you on yours?
“Don’t judge me!” Few commands are more consistently uttered when one of us has a spotlight shined on one of our failures in life. What if we, in the pursuit of determining correct and incorrect actions in what we observe around us, overstep by mistaking the value of an individual with their moral success or failure? Such a misstep is tragic for those of us desiring to represent Jesus to our world. However, stating truth in love is the epitome of serving as Christ’s ambassador to those he loves. Truth - sin is real and we’ve all misstepped. Equally true - Christ died for all and God doesn’t hate those who fail.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ James 1:19
- Which of the three things mentioned do you value most in your relationships with others and why?
- Which do you find to be the most difficult for you to do and why?
The old humorous cliche; “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason”, provides ample ammunition for a discussion on these three items listed. Add to this cliche the power of anger to lead us into so many situations which are so far outside of God’s best for our lives. Not a single one of these three things can be lacking if we plan to pursue God’s best for our relationships and our lives. May we all venture to practice these with intentionality.
APPLICATION
- With whom are you going to purposefully listen better without interrupting this week? In other words, who needs you to listen to them?
- Who has been making you angry and you need to begin to communicate better and begin seeking to repair the relationship this week?
PRAYER
Pray that God would show you where you need to grow in your relationships and communication this week.